This event at the High Museum in Atlanta focuses on the art of surface design, guiding participants to define their artistic voices through richly layered textile works. Participants will create expressive textile wall hangings that convey personal or collective stories, drawing inspiration from fiber artists in the museum’s collection. Various techniques will be explored, including direct painting with fabric paint and dye pastes, stamping, mark making, and both hand and machine stitching.
Week 1: Participants will explore the museum’s collection of fiber art to gather visual references while considering personal narratives. They will determine the primary concept of their work, choosing imagery, colors, and materials to guide their design journey.
Week 2: This week will focus on adding rhythm and texture through monoprinting, stamping, stenciling, and freehand mark making. Participants will examine how repetition and variation can create depth and movement in their pieces.
Week 3: Participants will learn to paint directly onto fabric, experimenting with color blending, transparency, and expressive brushwork to bring their ideas to life.
Week 4: Participants will transform painted and patterned fabrics by cutting, layering, and arranging shapes, experimenting with composition to find the most dynamic way to tell their stories.
Week 5: This session will incorporate machine- and hand-stitching as drawing tools. Participants will use thread to outline shapes, add details, and create textures that enrich their designs.
Week 6: The final week will involve refining pieces by adding final stitches, embellishments, and framing techniques. Participants will share their completed works and reflect on the stories conveyed through their creations.
